he
enemy in the rear guarding their communications, the great armies of the
North will be depleted by that number."

"That is true also," answered Beauregard; "and for that reason Morgan will
be given more or less of a free rein. I have recommended him for a
colonelcy. Convey to him my regards, and tell him I heartily congratulate
him upon his last recruit."

General Beauregard's kind words touched Calhoun deeply. "Thank you,
General," he replied, with feeling. "I trust I shall never prove myself
unworthy of your good opinion. May God bless you, and crown your efforts
with victory!"

After parting with Beauregard, Calhoun lost no time in reporting to
Morgan. He found his chief in command of about four hundred men, rough,
daring fellows who would follow their leader wherever he went. A more
superb body of rough-riders was never formed.

Calhoun was introduced to the officers of the squadron, and when it became
known that he was going back to Kentucky to recruit for the
command--although many of the officers wondered why their chief had
selected one so young--they gave him a hearty welcome. But when it became
known that he was the son of Judge Pennington, of Danville, that he had
already won renown as a daring scout, and had been offered a position on
the staff of General Beauregard, their welcome was doubly enthusiastic.

To this welcome there was one exception. One of Morgan's officers, Captain
P. C. Conway, had applied to Morgan for permission to go back to Kentucky
on this same duty, and had been refused. He was a short, thickset,
red-faced man with a very pompous air. His weakness was liquor; yet he was
a brave, efficient officer. What he considered an affront was never
forgiven, for he was of a revengeful disposition. It was consistent with
his character that he should become a mortal enemy of Calhoun.

When he was introduced to Calhoun he merely bowed, and did not offer to
give his hand.

"I believe I have heard of Captain Conway," said Calhoun, with a smile. "I
have heard a cousin of mine speak of him."

"Why, yes," spoke up Morgan, with a twinkle in his eye, "Captain,
Lieutenant Pennington is a cousin of your particular friend, Captain Fred
Shackelford, of the Yankee army."

Conway fairly turned purple with rage. "Lieutenant Pennington has no
reason to be proud of his relationship to that sneak and spy," he snorted.

"I have no more reason to love my cousin than you," replied Calhoun, with
some warmth